Sam awoke from his nap to see that the Gondorian soldiers had returned. They were several hundred strong and seated in a semi-circle watching their Captain question Frodo. Sam watched too. Faramir question Frodo on several points but mostly about Isildur's Bane. Frodo was in a tough position trying to speak about the Ring without speaking about it. Faramir turned his questions to Boromir. Frodo explained that Boromir was not chosen leader of their company because Aragorn, the true King of Gondor, was present; he also assured Faramir that Boromir was satisfied with Aragorn's claim to the throne. Faramir then asked Frodo if he was a friend of Boromir. This sent Frodo's mind back to their last interaction when Boromir tried to take the Ring and said at length: "'Yes, I was his friend, for my part'" (p. 272, The Two Towers).
Faramir revealed that Boromir was dead which upset Frodo greatly. He was not sure if Faramir was testing his claim of friendship or trying to trap him with words. "'I would not snare even an orc with a falsehood,' said Faramir" (p. 272, The Two Towers). Now that is a claim on integrity. Faramir wanted to know if Frodo could tell how Boromir died since they had been friends. When they parted Boromir was not slain. Sam had heard enough; he felt Faramir had interrogated Frodo long enough and burst into the scene scolding Faramir his treatment of Frodo. He demanded they be let go if Faramir truly were an enemy of the Enemy. Faramir listened without anger but dismissed Sam; saying he was commanded to slay any found in Ithilien and must learn about them before deciding what should be done.
Faramir revealed to Frodo and Sam that Boromir was his brother. He had Frodo recall Boromir's horn and Faramir explained that if it was sounded within the realm of Gondor all would hear it and come to aid. He said he had heard it some 11 days earlier (which coincided with when Boromir was attacked by Uruks). Several nights later, while watching the shores of Osgiliath, stranger tidings came to Faramir. He was drawn to the water and saw a boat pass him. Inside, as if encased in clear water, lay Boromir with his broken sword on his chest but missing his horn. One thing only did Faramir not recognize: an intricately designed belt of golden leaves. "'Alas!' said Frodo. 'That was indeed Boromir as I knew him. For the golden belt was given to him in Lothlorien by the Lady Galadriel. She it was that clothed us as you see us, in elven-grey. This brooch is of the same workmanship.' He touched the green and silver leaf that fastened in his cloak beneath his throat" (p. 275, The Two Towers).
The tidings were not a comfort to Faramir for strange tales about Lothlorien were told in Gondor. He felt it perilous for mortals to enter that land outside of the Sun. I found that to be an interesting statement. He then lamented: "'Boromir, O Boromir!' he cried. 'What did she say to you, the Lady that dies not? What did she see? What woke in your heart then? Why went you ever to Laurelindorenan, and came not by your own road, upon the horses of Rohan riding home in the morning?'" (p. 275, The Two Towers). Frodo thought perhaps Faramir had seen a vision given by the Enemy but Faramir was sure it had been his brother in the boat; for the Horn washed upon the shore, cloven in two, some days later. This filled Frodo with foreboding. He thought only he and Sam remained of the Fellowship. Dismayed and discouraged he pleaded with Faramir to let him go on: "'Will you not put aside your doubt of me and let me go? I am weary and full of grief, and afraid. But I have a deed to do, or to attempt, before I too am slain" (p. 276, The Two Towers).
Faramir thought others from their company lived; for who else would have arranged Boromir's burial at sea? With that he noted that Frodo had an Elvish air about him and decided that, for the time being, the Halflings would go with him while he decided what to do with him. For they had tarried long and must leave before enemies came. With a command the men scattered and only Faramir, Mablung, Damrod, Sam, and Frodo remained. Frodo was compelled to obey for he could not escape so many men.
This bit of reading has one of my favorite quotes from Tolkien's work. It encapsulates Frodo's journey. I think it's why many readers can relate to Frodo more than any other character in Tolkien's work: "I am weary and full of grief, and afraid. But I have a deed to do, or to attempt, before I too am slain" (p. 276, The Two Towers). Isn't it inspiring? Here is someone, a Halfling no less, who has a charge before him. It isn't easy. In fact, it's daunting and by all accounts impossible. Frodo is tired and scared. Isn't that life for many of us? It is for me. It just seems daunting, almost impossible at times. It's tiresome and full of doubt and fear. Marraige is hard, raising kids is difficult, work can be stressful and unfulfilling, what is my niche, how do I follow God, pay the mortage, etc. The list is endless. It's like the weight of the Ring bearing down on us with every step. What is Frodo's response? He knows he has a deed to do or at least die in the attempt of completing it. It may be daunting; it may look impossible, but that's no reason to quite. It is inspiring. It is hope. It is lembas on the journey. May Frodo inspire you today as well.
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, March 7th
Today's reading comes from: The Two Towers, pages 271-275
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